Handstands always in control for Towton triumph

ran out a clear winner of the DragonBet Towton Novices’ Chase at to add another Grade Two victory to his CV.

Carrying a 5lb penalty for his win at the same level at in December, the Ben Pauling-trained gelding was to the fore from flag-fall alongside Cherie d’Am.

The latter ultimately dropped away tamely after Handstands and took over on the run to the fourth-last, which the even-money favourite was a little slow at.

did very well to gt back into it and attempt to go with him after being severely hampered by the fall of Range, but Handstands always looked in control and drew right away after the last.

They were the only two finishers, in what proved a gruelling affair.